Rookies inducted

Castlemaine Football Netball Club (CFNC) inducted the first members of its ‘Rookie’ program on Tuesday night. The program acknowledges individual efforts across preseason, natural ability and club spirit.
With six initial nominees the program is designed to grow throughout the season and for players to make the list as they compete for the ‘Kane Farrell Award’ each year.
Kane Farrell played junior football at Castlemaine before getting drafted to Port Adelaide in the AFL and this program promotes a pathway through the premier club in the region.
Kane’s proud dad and club stalwart Stephen Farrell was in attendance at the clubrooms on Tuesday night to see the first Rookies inducted into the inaugural program. See the Mail for the full story.

Anzacs honoured

Our Anzacs were honoured at services across the region on Anzac Day. Community members turning out in force to show their respects after Covid-19 forced the cancellation of public services in 2020. Whilst morning teas and gunfire breakfasts did not go ahead locals were pleased to be able to once again attend local services.

Community members including RSL president John Whiddon and Mayor Tony Cordy lay wreaths.
Local Scouts form the catafalque party around the cenotaph.
Castlemaine Secondary College school captains and staff paid their respects.
SES and other community members wait to lay tributes.
A good crowd turned out at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park.
Local school children shared some readings.
Chewton community members lay tributes.

Pride Picnic draws a crowd

A great crowd turned out to the recent Castlemaine Pride Picnic in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. The event proudly coordinated by Castlemaine Community House included a performance by the Castlemaine Pride Choir, live music, food, wine and beer, and even a debut Pride Dog Show. Photos: Max Lesser.

The team from CHIRP were on hand.
Community members packed a picnic to enjoy at the event.
Community members browse the stalls which included local food and wine.

Jazz cats purring

Castlemaine secondary college music students Tom, Jeremy and Finn with music teacher Ben Nieuwkerk (on clarinet) get set for the Castlemaine Jazz Festival. Photo: Eve Lamb

Smooth sounds are a definite added bonus of going to school at Castlemaine Secondary College right now with talented music students fine tuning their repertoire ahead of next month’s Castlemaine Jazz Festival.
Music students from years nine-12 will be playing as part of the opening gig set for Friday June 11 at the Phee Broadway with ticket sales taking off ahead of the upcoming Queen’s Birthday weekend festival. Read more in today’s Mail…

'Disastrous accident' fears

Yapeen residents and petitioners are calling for the speed limit to be significantly reduced on the Vaughan Springs Road at Yapeen. Photo: Eve Lamb

Yapeen residents fear it’s only a matter of time before a disastrous accident happens on Vaughan Spring Road – unless the speed limit on the scenic stretch is significantly lowered.
Seventy-seven locals have signed a petition calling for the Mount Alexander Shire Council to support their request to Regional Roads Victoria for the speed limit to be lowered from its current 100km/h to 60km/h on Vaughan Springs Road at Yapeen. Read more in today’s Castlemaine Mail…

Mail on the move

Castlemaine Mail editor Lisa Dennis, sales manager Lynda Brew, and journalist Eve Lamb help to move the Mail from it's current home at 29 Templeton Street to it's new location.

The Castlemaine Mail is on the move.
After occupying the premises at 29 Templeton Street for a quarter of a century, the local masthead that dates all the way back to the Goldrush days of the 1850s, is now relocating to 13 Hargraves Street.
The shift to the new headquarters is something of a case of history repeating as, prior to occupying the Templeton Street site, the Mail had previously occupied another Hargraves Street premises – 17 Hargraves – very close to where it’s shifting to now. Read more in today’s Castlemaine Mail…

The People's Hero

Harcourt identity George Milford recently launched a fascinating new book The People’s Hero which details the career of Henry Hayden BA in Colonial Victoria.
The book was officially launched by Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards at Harcourt’s ANA Hall and covers Hayden’s connection to the Harcourt region where he was first headmaster of the Harcourt Primary School.
Mr Milford said that he came across mentions of Hayden in the archives of the Harcourt Heritage Centre and was compelled to delve deeper and learn more about the local character.  See the Mail for the full story.

Soccer action returns to Chewton

Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club enjoyed it’s first full weekend of games at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park last weekend for the first time since COVID broke in 2020. See the Mail for all the latest local sporting news.

Secretary found!

The Castlemaine Technical College Past Students Association (CTCPSA) has secured a secretary and is set to continue its proud history.
The CTCPSA is delighted to announce that Anita Holm has kindly put up her hand to take on this crucial volunteer role.
CTCPSA president Bill Sikora they are extremely grateful to the Castlemaine Mail for assisting in their efforts to find a new secretary and to Anita for volunteering her time to keep our 87 year history alive. See the Mail for the full story.

Terrific taxis

Cherie Lawton, Castlemaine

I would like to thank the wonderful drivers at Castlemaine Taxis for their service, care and patience. As I now depend on taxis for the bulk of my transport needs, it is reassuring knowing that I can depend on these people to be prompt and helpful. My grateful thanks!

Choir seeks new conductor

The Castlemaine Singers are on the hunt for a new conductor/musical director.
The long running choir has been delighting Castlemaine audiences with choral performances at the Anglican Church Hall in Forest Street and at various special events for 28 years.
Retiring conductor Michael Bottomley has enjoyed leading the choir for the last 13 years.
However, he feels its time for a fresh approach and for someone with new vision and energy to take on the role. See the Mail for the full story. Out Now.

'Please vaccinate': GPs

Castlemaine doctors are urging eligible community members to make an appointment to receive their Covid-19 vaccination.
Dr Dominic Blanks of Castlemaine’s Lyttleton Street Medical Clinic said local GPs have seen a disturbing drop in the numbers of people booking for their Covid-19 vaccination clinics in recent weeks and an uptick in vaccine hesitation.
Dr Blanks said local GPs want to reassure community members that the risk of complications from the vaccine is extremely low. However, the benefits are huge. See the Mail for the full story.

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